The overall theme of the trilogy:
When immigrants from the West Indies, India, Pakistan and England settle in Fernwood, South Jersey, USA, they want to play the game of their youth: cricket. The obstacles they face are the topic of this satirical novel.
Not only must Frederick A. Watkins, the protagonist who is of West Indian heritage, fight with his African-American wife, Gina, to spend his weekends on the cricket field, he and his ragtag team from many lands must vie with local officials of the suburban town who prefer that only Little League baseball teams play on their field.
In addition to facing the challenges of prejudice and political opportunists, the Fernwood Cricket Club must also wrestle with the problem of aging players, personal foibles and distractions, and pull of family who want their time and affection.
How Watkins juggles a cast of multi-ethnic characters from all walks of life to keep the cricket club alive – and survive an ultimatum from his wife that he put down his bat and pick up the Bible and accompany her to Sunday church or risk losing her – leads the reader through a true “sticky wicket.”
Volume One, Watkins At Bat – Season opener –
Fernwood Cricket Club vs. Jamaica Rebels Cricket Club
Fernwood CC is a multi-ethnic team from suburban Fernwood. Jamaica Rebels CC is a homogenous team from urban Newark. Last season, Fernwood, a team that knows how to win only on paper, did the seemingly impossible. It knocked the reigning champs out of the playoffs. It did so by claiming the points when the Jamaicans showed up late for the game on Fernwood’s home grounds. Today, in their first meeting of the new season, the gritty city boys, still angry over the loss by default, are out to give the cheeky country boys a whipping they will never forget. But, like they say, cricket is a funny game; the best team doesn’t always win.
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